Children who have disabilities and complex medical needs—and their families—have been at the center of our mission for more than 120 years. Learn how we've built on this long history to help patients improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.

Meet Jo'Vonna

Jo'Vonna loves riding her scooter, but because she has cerebral palsy, she has trouble maintaining balance. If anything besides Jo'Vonna's own determination will help her meet her goals, it's Gillette.

Current Initiatives

Your Pulse and Target Heart Rate

Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout your body. Your pulse is your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in one minute. This varies from person to person, and it might also vary throughout the day. Your pulse is lower when you are at rest, and it increases when you exercise.

Taking Your Pulse

Place the tips of your index, second, and third fingers (do NOT use your thumb) on the palm side of your other wrist, below the base of the thumb. Or, place the tips of your index and second fingers on your lower neck, on one side of your windpipe.

Press lightly with your fingers until you feel a pulsing beneath your fingers. This pulse is the blood moving inside the vessels beneath your skin. You might need to move your fingers around slightly up or down until you feel the pulsing.

Use a watch with a second hand or look at a clock with a second hand.

Count the beats you feel for 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to get your heart rate (pulse). See calculation below.

Your Resting Heart Rate

_____________ x 4 = _____________

(number of beats in 15 seconds) (your pulse/resting heart rate)

What is a Typical Pulse?

Age Group

Normal Heart Rate at Rest

Children (ages 3-4 years)

70 - 100 beats per minute

Children (ages 5-7 years)

65 - 100 beats per minute

Children (ages 8-15 years)

60 - 100 beats per minute

Adults (ages 16-18+ years)

60 - 100 beats per minute

Your Target Heart Rate

You gain the most benefits and lessen the risks when you exercise in your target heart rate zone. The Karvonen formula is used to calculate your target heart rate. The return to activity protocol has specific target heart rate zones for each stage that must be monitored and followed.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers.
If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.